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Altikeeragh Nature Reserve

Nature reserves are chosen from among the very best examples of our wildlife, habitats and geology. They contain a wide range of species, communities and geology and their designation is a public recognition by Government of their importance.

Designation

Grid Reference: C730316Area: 180.48haDeclared Date: 20/03/2002

Description

Altikeeragh Nature Reserve encompasses the entire ASSI, which is owned by NIEA. This relatively intact area of peatland is bound by extensive afforestation to the south and east and by cut over bog to the north and west.

The importance of this site relates to the peatland vegetation communities, and the structural features which are typical of undisturbed sites. These include blanket bog vegetation with some raised bog characteristics, a well developed pool system, flat bog plains and localized flushes and soaks.

The vegetation of the intact bog surface is characterized by Sphagnum mosses, heather, cross-leaved heath, deergrass, hare's-tail cotton grass and occasional crowberry. In the wetter areas a well developed topography occurs, with prominent Sphagnum hummocks and flat waterlogged lawns with abundant bog asphodel and common cottongrass. Much of the blanket bog surrounding the intact unit has been cut for turf, creating a mosaic of habitats, depending on peat depth and the age of cutting.

Vegetation communities vary from extensive areas of acid grassland, through more concentrated flushes, to extensive areas of regenerating bog. The bog provides habitat for upland birds such as snipe, red grouse and raven.

Facilities

None. For further details contact the Site Manager on: Tel. 028 703 59977